farthingale

/ˈfɑrðɪŋˌɡeɪl/
noun
  1. A hoop skirt or framework worn under a skirt in the 16th and 17th centuries to give it a wide, bell-like shape.
    • The queen's portrait shows her wearing an elaborate farthingale under her gown.
    • In the museum, we saw a farthingale made of whalebone and fabric.
    • Actors in the historical play had to practice walking in farthingales without tripping.
What does "farthingale" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean